FIFA World Cup Saturday, June 21, 2014

2014 FIFA World Cup Day 10

Argentina vs. Iran (1-0)

Argentina was all eager to put up an aggressive show in the Estadio Mineirao Stadium, Belo Horizonte and they did it with a satisfying 1-0 score in the deciding Group F match against Iran. It was a highly grinding match and both the teams had entered the stadium with planned strategies. Argentina did most of the possessing but the Iranians were more or less successful in defending their court. It was really a good play from the Iranians as they held back the most challenging team in this year’s World Cup to a single goal. Lionel Messi however showed his magic to get that all important three points to take Argentina into the next lag of the tournament. However, the Argentinean fans would certainly be disappointed by low show.

Throughout the match it was getting harder to believe that Argentineans weren’t able to get the net. They in fact had 11 shots, 5 of which were directly on goal but Iran looked confident and with every save, they were more eager to fight back. For Iran too, the only chance of getting a score was to be persistent and seize an opportune moment. There wasn’t too much going on in the match and the fans were utterly disappointed. It was in the 90+1 minute that Lionel Messi saved the day for the Argentineans. This time, he passes a blinding kick dodging the Iranian goalkeeper Haghighi to get the lead. But this should have come earlier and more than once. Well, that’s what football is all about.

Iran Vs Argentina Highlights

Germany vs. Ghana (2-2)

Compared to the previous match between Argentina and Iran, this was a stunner of a game with both sides conquering their fears and coming from behind. Until the half time, the score board was empty and it looked like we would be having another draw of a match. However, in the end it was a 4 goal match with both teams sharing the points.

Most of the action was in the second half of the game wherein Germany came forward and took possession of the ball. There were many half chances through the likes of Mesut Oziland Thomas Miller but soon Ghana was counter-attacking and this follows a rasping drive from Suley Muntari. The deadlock was broken by the Germans eventually with Muller producing an amazing footwork. While the finish could have been said to be highly fortunate one, the execution was momentous. As soon as Germany started taking control Ghana stepped up and was looking good to overrun their illustrious opponents. In the 54th minute, Ayew took a brilliant leap to produce a header and an equalizer. The goal shook the Germans wherein they could have worked on regaining control. Meanwhile, Gyan took the opportunity and the stiker produced a magnificient goal past Manuel Neuer. The game ended in a flurry of goals, two from each side but without any deciding score. Germany continued to push their limits but was unsuccessful in getting the results.

Ghana Vs Germany Highlights

Nigeria vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-0)

Nigeria steps up with the upper hand in the Group F match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Into the match, Bosnia and Herzegovina were certainly the underdogs but they did show some mettle. This World Cup has been more of surprises and this time it comes in the form of a highly able resistance from the less known team.

The only goal of the match for Nigeria came in the 29th minute but even it was wrongly allowed. It was injustice that galvanized the team and made the Bosnians play more fiercely. They didn’t concede any further goals or allow any form of discontentment but neither was able to make any favorable changes to the scoreboard either. In the 20th minute in fact Dzeko managed a stunner but it was disqualified by the referee saying to be off-side. There were many chanced that were missed and misjudged by the Bosnians and in the end, the result was a 1-0 win for Nigeria.